4.28.2010

When he was twenty, Olivier Theyskens dropped out of design school to create his first collection. Within the next year, Women’s Wear Daily head­lined his “Star Quality,” Harper's Bazaar christened him an “Instant Icon,” and The New York Times singled out his work in coverage of the Metro­politan Museum’s Costume Institute, where it was already enshrined. That winter, Madonna wore Theyskens to the Oscars.

In the decade since, he has lent his power to two international brands, “restoring the fortunes,” as Vogue put it, of the house of Rochas, and then moving on to Nina Ricci as artistic director. His work has appeared on the cover of French, British, and American Vogue worn by Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, among other stars. Even the most casually fashion conscious consumers know his name, his striking face, and his dark, soft, and often-flattering aesthetic.

In this special edition book, photographer Julien Claessens looks back at his whirlwind career thus far. Claessens, who was given unprecedented backstage access to Theyskens' fashion shows, beautifully captures the designer's romantic and mysterious oeuvre.

Norwegian jewellery designer Bjørg releases one main collection per year. Bjørg has a new unforgettable video which was directed and produced by two young Norwegian directors Matias Rygh & Mathias Eriksen exclusively for Bjør

Vertu have released an update to the Ascent range. Two variants of the Ascent range are now available, one made of anodized aircraft grade aluminum and one of titanium. The phone features a five megapixel camera and assisted GPS. The Vertu Ascent is available in a wide range of colors from Vertu stores worldwide.

Harvey Nichols Wine Shops will launch Hayman's Sloe Gin, a traditional English liqueur which has previously only been available for private use. Made to a long standing recipe, from the oldest gin distilling family in the UK, this fabulously versatile gin has a ruby red colour and intense smooth flavour.

This gin is made by steeping the English native sloe berry, a type of wild plum which comes from the blackthorn tree, for several months with Hayman's Gin which is blended with natural sugars to give the drink its distinctive flavour.

This great cocktail cabinet addition can be used to make a number of classic drinks, including The Blackthorn, which first appeared in the 1800's. First, mix Hayman's Sloe Gin and sweet vermouth (2:3 parts) over ice. Strain into cocktail glasses, add a twist of lemon and serve.

To make the more modern sloe gin drink, the aptly named 'The Wibble', shake equal measures of dry gin, Hayman's Sloe Gin and grapefruit juice over ice. Add a squeeze of lemon and a dash of blackberry flavoured Crème de Mure liqueur. Serve in a chilled martini glass. Alternatively, Hayman's Sloe Gin makes a perfect digestif served straight.

Hayman's Sloe Gin is now available exclusively at Harvey Nichols Wine Shops nationwide priced at £21.50 for 70cl.